Middle school can be time when people change friends quite often, as they try to figure out who they are and who they want to spend time with. Some people like to call everyone they know their “friends,” when actually, they just happen to be in the same grade or class together.

Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram have created platforms where teens are able to accumulate “friends” who are really just followers, and not necessarily interested in spending time with you, or being there for you. It’s very easy to get caught up in these superficial measures of social success.

To me, a friend is someone who shows you, over time, that they want to be with you. A true friend is someone you can talk about all types of situations with, and work things out between you when misunderstandings arise. Friendship is an investment of time in each other’s wellbeing. It is also a reciprocal relationship, where you are both giving and receiving.

… EMPOWERING TEENS TO BE THEIR BEST SELVES.

“The best example of Sandra’s work is in my daughter’s renewed enthusiasm and attitude towards life. My daughter now sees every problem as one that can be solved, every uncomfortable experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Sandra’s work with my daughter has helped her become a more secure, confident and happy individual.”